Hotel Provincial

Fais Do Do

Hermann Grima House Courtyard

A French Quarter Fête

La Cérémonie

Le Cortège en Fête

L’Après-Oui

The Court of Two Sisters

Brunch et Bon Temps

Our Wedding

Like many modern love stories, ours began with a swipe... Melissa mentioned her love for the New York Times crossword puzzle in her profile, and Charlie, ever the thoughtful conversationalist, opened with a message about a talk he’d attended with Will Shortz, the crossword editor. He confessed he admired people who could do the puzzles, admitting he wasn’t “smart enough” for them. Melissa assured him that crossword skill isn’t about intelligence... it’s just a different way of thinking. That different way of thinking? It turned out to be a perfect match. Our first date was brunch at a cozy neighborhood spot called Book Club. The week before, Melissa had told a friend she was about to go on her “last first date for a while.” Charlie reserved a quiet corner booth, with flowers picked on the walk there. We talked for hours and made plans for the very next day. After wandering through the galleries of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, we grabbed lunch, where Charlie nervously asked, “Can I be honest with you?” Melissa braced herself for something bad. Instead, he said, “I don’t want to date anyone else." Charlie and Melissa quickly became a trio... with Sydney. He and Charlie bonded instantly (to suspicious levels), and Sydney now enjoys his own plate at dinner, courtesy of the house chef. Charlie loves to cook and garden, and Melissa loves that she doesn't. We spend our days listening to records, traveling whenever we can, and savoring the little things like flowers in the kitchen, drives in our vintage VW convertible, and spontaneous date nights. Charlie likes to say we’re “diametrically opposed” but that’s exactly what makes it fun. And it has been. The proposal came on an ordinary Saturday that turned extraordinary. Melissa was doing yard work. Charlie called to see if she wanted to grab a drink. We went to Book Club, our regular spot, and sat in the same booth where it all started. When the champagne came out, Melissa finally asked, “What’s going on?” Charlie pulled out his great-grandmother’s pearl ring, shared the story, and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Through happy tears, Melissa laughed, “I’m in sweats and I was doing yard work!” Charlie replied, “That’s life. That’s our life—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Then came the question. And the easiest “yes.” Now we’re getting married in New Orleans, a city that captures so much of what we love: history, beauty, incredible food, and unforgettable ambiance. It’s our chance to celebrate not only our love, but the people who mean the most to us. ﻿Laissez les bon temps rouler!

From Book Club To The Big Easy

Our Story

Photos

Leah and Melissa first met through the St. Patrick’s Day Association, back when Melissa was crowned Ms. Blarney (yes, that’s a real thing) in 2008. They officially became friends when Leah ran for the title herself in 2011—and the rest is history.

Leah’s favorite animals are dinosaurs and unicorns (even though, sadly, she’ll probably never meet one), and her love of all things whimsical is just one of the many reasons Melissa adores her. Over the years, their friendship has traveled the globe—from squeezing into Leah’s twin bed during a visit to Scotland, to witnessing Leah’s courthouse wedding in New York after her romantic elopement in Italy, to adventures in Australia while Leah and her husband, Chad, lived abroad.

Today, instead of being 20 hours apart, they’re just 20 minutes away—a fact Melissa celebrates every chance she gets. Leah is the proud mom of Scarlett, Melissa’s beloved goddaughter, and one of the people who knows her best.

Melissa couldn’t imagine saying "I do" without Leah by her side.

Leah Angeli

Caitlin and Melissa go way back—to 2002, when they met singing in UW–Eau Claire’s Women’s Concert Chorale. Caitlin’s first impression? “I thought she was going to be a total B.” Thankfully she changed her mind.  They became fast friends and choir trip roommates on an unforgettable journey to China, and they’ve been making memories ever since.

Melissa was honored to stand by Caitlin as her maid of honor at her Oktoberfest-themed wedding in 2024, and now it’s Caitlin’s turn to return the favor. Caitlin is the life of any party—especially if there’s a theme—and always brings the fun wherever she goes. She and her husband are adventurous travelers and home renovators who recently traded St. Paul for Waupaca, Wisconsin... officially crossing over to the other side of the Cheddar Wall.

Melissa is beyond grateful to have Caitlin’s voice, laughter, and friendship as part of this next chapter.

Caitlin Walbrun

Aaron Cunningham

Tommy Friese

Scarlett is Melissa’s goddaughter and the beloved daughter of bridesmaid Leah. Described affectionately by her mom as “feral,” Scarlett brings boundless energy, endless curiosity, and lots of laughs everywhere she goes.

She loves her cats Alfie and Matilda, playing outside, and epic Barbie adventures with Melissa. She also lovingly refers to Melissa’s dog Sydney as “Cindy,” which no one has the heart to correct. One of Melissa’s favorite memories with Scarlett is their visit to the Australia Zoo—a day full of animals, sunshine, and giggles.

Melissa is over the moon to have Scarlett as a flower girl and couldn’t imagine the day without her wild, wonderful spirit.

Scarlett Angeli

Neko is Charlie’s niece and his official partner in crime. Whether they’re getting into mischief or just sharing a snack, these two are always up to something—and usually giggling about it.

Neko loves swimming, crafting, and heading out on outdoor adventures. She’s smart, curious, and full of heart—and she absolutely adores her Uncle Charlie (the feeling is very mutual). Melissa has quickly fallen in love with Neko’s bold spirit and joyful energy, and is so excited she’ll be part of the big day.

Having Neko as a flower girl makes the celebration that much more special.

Neko Denny

Melissa met Jamie during their Doctor of Nursing Practice program, where they bonded instantly over their shared background as travel nurses—and their shared love of dogs. Jamie’s pup Alastair and Melissa’s dog Sydney are best friends, while Jamie’s other dog, Neevah, keeps the whole crew in check.

From unforgettable trips to Cuba and Iceland to countless hours of laughter (the kind that makes your face hurt), Jamie has become more than a friend—she’s like a sister. A pediatric nurse with unmatched compassion and skill, Jamie brings love, patience, and kindness into every space she enters.

Originally from New Orleans, Jamie is the perfect person to help us say “I do” in the city we’ve chosen to celebrate our love. Having her stand with us as our officiant is one of the most meaningful parts of this day.

Jamie Walton

Wedding Party

Venues

Reservations Procedures:Reservations may be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hotelprovincial.com/groups/thone-burck-wed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.hotelprovincial.com/groups/thone-burck-wed</a>&nbsp;(not case sensitive, no space between names &amp; hyphens). Each reservation must be guaranteed via credit card FOR RATE, TAX, OCCUPANCY, &amp; INCIDENTALS. The cut-off date for making reservations is APRIL 7, 2026.&nbsp;If a room cancels from the group after this date or after the block is full, it does not become part of the Group Block again. Individuals may also call the Hotel Provincial at (504)581-4995 in order to make reservations.

Melissa & Charles

Melissa & Charles

Registry